Vatican: "Presence of Christians in the Holy Land, fundamental for peace"

In a letter addressed to Catholic bishops worldwide for the traditional "pro Terra Sancta" collection, Cardinal Moussa I Daoud writes of an area which has been "the scene of decades-long conflict" and which is causing the "disturbing phenomenon" of the exodus of Christians.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  The Holy Land "continues to be the scene of a conflict that has lasted for decades", which "deprives Catholic communities and institutions of the adequate means to maintain and promote religious, humanitarian and cultural activities," thus "increasing the disturbing phenomenon of the constant exodus of Christians."

In these words, the Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches and Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, describes the situation in the "Land of the Lord" in his letter to all Catholic bishops, written on behalf of Benedict XVI, in view of the traditional "pro Terra Sancta" collection. Each year on Good Friday, in fact, offerings are collected worldwide for the Church of the Holy Land.

"The presence of Christians in the Holy Land," Cardinal Daoud writes, "is more necessary than ever for the peaceful future of the area, as it is also for the good of the whole universal Church, which ought to find in the Holy Places living communities that profess the Gospel faith."

He also recalls "the greatest concern for the Christian communities in the Holy Land," shown by Pontiffs down the centuries and defines as "memorable" the "countless interventions of the Servant of God John Paul II" on the question.

The Cardinal quotes the current Pope and recalls the audience for participants in the meeting of the Assembly of Organizations for Aid to the Eastern Churches (ROACO) last July 23, when Benedict XVI stressed that "certain positive signs in recent months strengthen the hope that the day of reconciliation between the various communities working in the Holy Land will not be long in coming; for this let us unceasingly pray with trust."

"This is the responsibility incumbent upon the Universal Church," the Cardinal states, "with regard to the Mother Church of Jerusalem, 'to which', as the Pope said, 'all Christians have an unforgettable obligation.'"

e-mail this to a friend :

Vatican: "Presence of Christians in the Holy Land, fundamental for peace" Middle East Israel Palestine Jordan

In a letter addressed to Catholic bishops worldwide for the traditional "pro Terra Sancta" collection, Cardinal Moussa I Daoud writes of an area which has been "the scene of decades-long conflict" and which is causing the "disturbing phenomenon" of the exodus of Christians.

:

: (*)

:

: (*)

: (*)

: (*)

See also

20/05/2009 VATICAN-HOLY LANDPeace is possible in the Holy Land, with the help of faith, says PopeIn his general audience, Benedict XVI retraces the steps of his recent trip to Jordan, Israel and Palestine. Respect for religious freedom in Jordan. The Shoah, a “universal warning” that must nit be forgotten. The rejection of all violence. An appeal for communications: that “cyberspace maybe a place to promote a culture of respect, dialogue and authentic friendship”.

10/06/2009 ASIAAsiaNews special on the Pope in the Holy Land while war drums resoundThe 42 page special edition gives a day-by-day account of Benedict XVI’s pilgrimage to Jordan, Israel and Palestine. It is the most important but also most misunderstood journey to date. Criticism tends to destroy any hopes that peace is possible, preparing the ground instead for war. But the pope’s message of pace and coexsistence is the most realistic.

09/01/2007 VATICAN – ISRAEL – PALESTINEPolitical realism of Benedict XVI on Israel-Palestine problemYesterday, addressing the diplomatic corps, the pope talked about a “global approach”, pressing for an international peace conference that would include Syria too. The Vatican is acting as a catalyst and even Olmert may be interested. An analysis by our correspondent.

16/05/2009 VATICAN – HOLY LANDPope in Holy Land where fear breeds criticismExtremists from all sides find fault in Benedict XVI’s visit, which goes to show that his words in favour of dialogue and tolerance have hit their mark. On the plane taking him back to Rome he says it is easier to see the difficulties facing peace, but nothing is more visible than the desire for peace.

Founded 25 years ago by Shanti Rani Sisters and PIME missionaries in Rajshahi, the facility is open to the mentally and physically disabled, deaf, blind, orphans, poor, and abandoned. The guiding principle is to start them in life.

After losing to Sweden in their last match, the Korean team ends up in seventh place. Players burst into tears at their imminent separation. "Politicians made that executive decision [to have a joint team]. Our players and staff are the ones that made it work,” said the team’s proud Canadian coach. One South Korean athlete hopes the country is proud of them. "It was bigger than hockey."